French Protests over Police Shooting of Teen:
French President Emmanuel Macron condemns the ongoing violence in France after a third night of protests over the police shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old takeaway delivery driver from France’s Nanterre.
Macron emphasizes that nothing justifies violence and criticizes the instrumentalization of the teenager’s death.
At least 875 people were arrested, and 249 police and gendarmes were injured during the protests.
Protests raise longstanding grievances about policing and racial profiling in France’s low-income and multiethnic suburbs.
Violence and Damage during Protests:
Violence and damage were reported in multiple areas, with shops being pillaged and public buildings targeted.
Elite police units were deployed, and curfews and bans on public gatherings were imposed in several cities.
Flagship branches of Nike and Zara in Paris were reportedly among the shops pillaged.
Public buildings, including a police station, an elementary school, and a district office, were attacked.
Nahel’s Mother and Memorial March:
Nahel’s mother blames the officer who took her son’s life and criticizes the officer’s actions.
The officer responsible for the shooting was detained and charged with voluntary manslaughter.
The memorial march for Nahel ended in clashes with riot police, tear gas, and cars set on fire.
Unrest and Challenges for the Government:
Despite measures to restore calm and heightened security, the protests continued.
Libraries, shopping centers, and public buildings were targeted in various locations.
The government seeks to avoid a repeat of the 2005 urban riots and calls for calm.
The protests present a fresh challenge for President Macron, who had faced previous demonstrations.
Details of the Police Shooting Incident:
Nahel was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop, which was captured on video.
Clashes erupted as the video contradicted police accounts of the incident.
The police officer involved apologized and expressed remorse for his actions.
The legal conditions for the use of the weapon by the police officer are being questioned.
Calls for Addressing Racism and Peaceful Assembly:
The UN human rights office emphasizes the need to address racism and discrimination in law enforcement.
Allegations of disproportionate use of force must be swiftly investigated.
Peaceful assembly is encouraged, and the protests highlight deep-rooted issues in French society.
Funeral Arrangements for Nahel:
A funeral for Nahel is scheduled to be held on Saturday.